Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1887-09-01
A SINGULAR PATENT.

A SINGULAR PATIENT.
DIR. Guy Rutherford Was desperately
out of heart, and that's good deal to
say, for he was naturally full of energy
and pluck. He had framed his Dip
Iona, furnished an office, and issued
his cards.
He waited reasonable time, but no
patients came. much to his chagrin
and the rapid depletion of his purse.
His debts were accommodating, and he
was unable to cancel them.
1t was not owing to any remissness
in himself; but that, however, made it
all the more unpleasant.
One morning found him so harassed
that suicide seemed 10 him the quick
est way out of his distress. The land
lady had, in cousiderate, yet very
positive way, stated to him that she
wanted the room for a tenant who
would be more prompt in meeting his
obligations.
His office was neatly furnished, to
be sure, but as it was already mort
gagged for debt, nothing was to be real
lied in that direction. He buried his
face in his hands, and felt that ho was
on the verge Of despair.
just then young lady entered the
Office, and the necessity of treating her
with respect brought him very much
to himself.
He saw at glance that she belonged
to the higher walks of life. She was
elegantly clad. graceful in movement,
and quiet and self-po5scssed in depOrt-
ment.
Her face, if not absolutely lovely,
was at least very expressive, pure in
complexion, with lurking dimples,
rosebud lips, and soft blue eyes. con-
templative yet keenly on the alert.
She was not more than nineteen, and
shapely and compact in figure.
DIR Rutherford, | presumed" she
said in family interrogative tone, her
diamonds catching a hundred sparkles
of light.
"At your SERVICE" the doctor replied
with polite bow.
She was making rapid estimate OF
him, and set him down as a handsome,
manly, frank, intelligent, fair-deaiing
fellow.
a wish YOU to call on my sister, ;"
she announced in voice strong, sweet
and clear.
AT what address?' ne asked
you are to come with me" she
said. ''rhe carriage is at the door.
81 am ready" ne replied.
1t was an elegant equipage, in keep
ing with the impression OF wealth and
refinement Nhich She hnd conveyed to
him..
When seated beside her, she handed
him card Tue name upon it was
that of Mrs. George de Haven, and the
street one of tine most fashionable in
the city.
The doctor was secretly elated. He
suspected ti.;,; he ..as oil the highway
to appreciation at last.
"What il YOUR sisters c0mpiaintY
he asked. She did not answer him at
once, and when she did it was under
embarrassment.
Shes "A hypochondriac.'
OH calculated the doctor. per
haps it would he best for me to know
in advance what the-thc peculiar tie
lusion lisp 1t may be very essential for
me 10 humor It.
HIS companion shot him a quick,
pleased, pcnetratiye glance.
"Oh. it is So absurd" she said; and
she smiled broadly. her dimples APP
pearing and disappearing. ''She inn
AGNES that there is fiery red spot on
the back OF her hand. She first con-
ceived the idea ut the Pass of St.
Gothard. A pet bird died while she
was holding ii Ia her hand, and ---"
Il have heard OF such supcrsti-
ton" Interrupted the doctor, noticing
her confusion. "i'il effect a cure.
But tell me, how did you come to send
for me?n
A charming blush suffused his com
panion's face.
"Oh, it is simply another of my sis
ters queer notions" was her reply.
''Shc once saw your name on your
door and remembered it. I'm too dis
Greet to combat any of her odd fancies.
Indeed, it would not be OF any use"
She laughed in such sweet, free,
girlish way, that Dir. Rutherford felt
more delighted with her than ever.
The handsome mansion reached, he
was shown into boudoir BETTING it
in elegance.
Mrs. De Haven was a delicate-look-
ing woman, but was far from being an
invalid.
She received the doctor graciously,
and began to talk volubly about the
matter which was causing her so much
distress.
a corresponding look Of concern
came into the doctors face.
He took the Inflated hand. and ex-
am;ncd il with grave interest.
"Humph" he calculated several
timos, rs if unconsciously, his brows
heavily knit.
1t all looked so farcical that the
younger sister could hardly restrain
her laughter.
This is something new in my ex-
pericnce." commented the doctor
"Well, not altogether, either. Some
years ago, while travelling in Switzer-
land. saw at Lake Lucernc, or rather
on the highway to Fluelea -
"Fluelen" cried Mrs. De Haven,
with Frightening eyes. Near St.
GothardP'
Yes"
just listen, Marion~ cried the
hypochondriac with reprcsscd excite
ment "Ah, here is IA friend who
comprehends! Doctor you saw such a
spot as that on another lady's handP"
1T was on boys hand, the doctor
specified. hoping some time TO atone
for the lie.
"What caused it?" asked Mrs. De
Haven quickly.
"Weli, it seems absurd, and yet it
was generally accepted in that neigh
borhood, replied the doctor with a
half-abstracted air. Sometimes |
feel as if it may not be quite just to
make fun OF such superstitions.
Mrs De Haven leaned closer TO him, |
and her face was sight 70 see, it was
so illuminated with eagrrncss.
at is said in that locality" resumed |
the doctor, that if a bird dies in ones |
hand red spot -"
There. Marion, was the exrltant
interruption. you see now that
was right. know that You dcspiSed |
via; you called my weakness. Sir, if |
anybody understands my case it isyou |
And YOU can cure me.
MT - .t,t.,,llx. y ,ianiarad tba dna !